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2017 Outstanding Philanthropic Volunteer Award Winners Announced

CINCINNATI – October 13, 2017 – The University of Cincinnati Foundation today announced five recipients for its highest awards in philanthropy — the Outstanding Philanthropic Volunteer Awards. Honorees include Robert L. Fealy, BUS ’73; Marvin P. Kolodzik, BBA ’59; Walk Ahead for a Brain Tumor Cure; UC College of Law Professor Mark Godsey; and Jessica Brawand, A&S ’18. Honorees are selected based upon their extraordinary philanthropic commitment to the University of Cincinnati and UC Health.

“It is an honor to recognize these individuals and groups who make a tremendous impact on UC and UC Health,” said UC Foundation President Peter E. Landgren. “This year’s winners support students through scholarships, fund life-saving research, advocate for the innocent and serve as UC and UC Health ambassadors. Their dedication is inspiring to us all.”

2017 Outstanding Philanthropic Volunteer Award Winners

Chairman’s Award – Robert L. Fealy

The Chairman’s Award is the UC Foundation’s highest recognition for a volunteer who has made a noteworthy, university-wide philanthropic impact. This year, the prestigious award went to Robert L. Fealy. Fealy’s 44-year business career includes serving as President, Chief Operating Officer and Director of the privately held Duchossois Group (1996-2015). He is a 1973 graduate of the Carl H. Lindner College of Business.

Fealy has made it his personal mission to give back to his alma mater. He has done this by supporting student scholarships, new world-class facilities and providing extraordinary co-op and internship opportunities for students. Most recently, he has served as the interim president and, for the last four years, chairman of the UC Foundation Board of Trustees. His service and personal dedication make him the ideal recipient of the Chairman’s Award.

Trustees’ Award – Marvin P. Kolodzik

The UC Foundation’s Trustees’ Award recognizes a volunteer’s contribution to advance philanthropy for a specific UC college or area. In recognition of his extraordinary dedication to the Carl H. Lindner College of Business, Kolodzik received the Trustees’ Award. He is a 1959 graduate of Lindner and spent most of his 34-year career in leadership roles with Emerson Electric Co.

Kolodzik is the founder of college’s Kolodzik Business Scholars (KBS) program. Not only do KBS students receive a unique and top-notch education, Kolodzik takes a personal interest in them, attending the program’s events and meetings. Kolodzik also has served as a member of the UC Foundation Board of Trustees for the last 12 years.

Group Philanthropy Award – Walk Ahead for a Brain Tumor Cure

The Group Philanthropy Award honors a group that has been highly engaged in philanthropic activities at UC or UC Health and has made a significant positive impact. The Walk Ahead for a Brain Tumor Cure, a fundraiser for the UC Brain Tumor Center at the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute, took home this year’s Group Philanthropy Award.

In its eighth year, the Walk has raised nearly $2 million for research funds and patient care. The Walk was the first major fundraising effort of the community advisory board supporting the UC Brain Tumor Center; board members had all been affected by brain tumors. The Walk serves as an outlet for hope, grief and celebration for the thousands that attend. The next Walk Ahead for a Brain Tumor Cure 5k Walk/Run is Oct. 22, 2017, at Sawyer Point.

Staff Award of Merit – Mark A. Godsey

Mark A. Godsey, Daniel P. and Judith L. Carmichael Professor of Law and Director of the Lois and Richard Rosenthal Institute for Justice/Ohio Innocence Project, was awarded the UC Foundation’s Staff Award of Merit. The award recognizes a staff member who has fostered a culture of philanthropy at UC and embraced the spirit of Dr. George Rieveschl, Jr., UC’s founder of philanthropy.

Godsey co-founded and directs the Ohio Innocence Project, which is recognized as one of the most active and successful innocence projects in the world. To date, it has secured the release of 25 individuals on grounds of innocence who collectively served 470 years in prison for crimes they did not commit. Godsey’s leadership was instrumental in helping secure the largest-ever gift to the UC College of Law and any innocence project from Cincinnati benefactor Richard Rosenthal, an ardent supporter of the Ohio Innocence Project.

Student Philanthropy Award – Jessica Brawand

This year’s Student Philanthropy Award goes to Jessica Brawand, who will graduate in December 2018 with a triple major from A&S. Brawand has contributed and been a leader for many fundraising events, including the UC Blue Ash Dash 5K for Scholarships. As a UC Foundation intern, she played a significant role in UC Health’s Employee Giving Campaign and worked on UC Health engagement opportunities.

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About the University of Cincinnati FoundationEstablished in 1975, the University of Cincinnati Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation and the private sector fundraising entity for the University of Cincinnati and UC Health. The Foundation supports UC’s aspirations through philanthropic collaboration with the colleges, the Academic Health Center, UC Health and other units to maximize private support. The Foundation’s advancement efforts promote the development of productive, enduring relationships with alumni, friends, colleagues, students, foundations, corporations and the Greater Cincinnati community. For more information, visit foundation.uc.edu